Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is the most scenic Kilimanjaro route, from the first day to the last.
The trail begins north of Shira, also on the western side of the mountain. But unlike the Shira Route, where for the first day you walk on a wide 4 WD road, Lemosho is a narrow wilderness trail right from the beginning, passing through pristine and remote rainforest with good chances of seeing wildlife.
It then crosses the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route near the Lava Tower.
Luckily, despite its growing popularity (especially with second time Kilimanjaro climbers), Lemosho sees a very low number of people. It's all relative. There is still a massive gap between Marangu Route and the Machame Route, the two really crowded routes, and all the others...
There is an obvious reason why the numbers on Lemosho will always remain much lower than on Marangu or Machame: it's not the cheapest option...

Starting your climb on the western side means paying for extra transport.

Using a longer trail means paying for an extra day or several on the mountain.

And climbing a less trafficked route means higher prices due to less competition from budget tour operators.

Lemosho is also a fairly demanding route, due to both the nature of the terrain and the duration of the trail.
On the plus side Lemosho offers the best chances of any route to acclimatize to the altitude and with that much better summit chances. The fact that you are likely to climb this route with a quality Kilimanjaro tour operator also means your success chances are much better than average.
And if your operator has developed your itinerary in a way that avoids the big traffic surges on the Machame trail (some operators do) you will have a great climb all the way, on the most scenic route, without the crowds that plague the popular trails.

Route details

There are several possible variations to the Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, so don't be surprised if you see an intinerary that mentions different camps and different heights...
The itinerary below describes a seven night/eight day Kilimanjaro climb on the Lemosho Route.
Like Machame this trek can be shortened if you skip the night in the Karanga Valley and instead walk straight from the Barranco Huts to the Barafu Huts in one day.
Some operators also skip the second night at Shira. One, making it a very strenuous six day trek.
The trek can be extended by adding an extra night at Moir Huts for acclimatization.
For experienced mountaineers there is also a challenging and dangerous version via the Western Breach.
The gradual altitude increase is most suitable for beginners and amateurs. Acclimatization process is the easiest on Kilimanjaro making the summiting chances the highest.
The route is the least frequented by climbers, making oneness with the nature unique. Lemosho is for real solitude admirers, whose ephemeral contact with nature is never broken there.
Successful summiting chances are the highest on this route! Lemosho is the only route, where acclimatization process is smooth, the attacks of the high altitude sickness are rare and the odds to see the most amazing sunrise of your life at Uhuru peak are the greatest!

Note: altitudes and distances are approximations. Different sources will give you different numbers.
Starting Point: Londorossi Gate (2100 m/6900 ft)
Duration: 7-8 days

Day 1:
After breakfast, the climbing team will arrive. The team leaves the hotel and drives to the Western Entrance
to the Kilimanjaro National Park - the Londorossi Gate. After the park permits are arranged,
the crew is registered with the emergency service.
Then the group hikes trough the mountain forest to the first checkpoint - Shira Camp (2895 m).
Biodiversity is rich and unique there. This is your first day on such an altitude. We highly recommend the customers to follow these guidelines:
Reduce caffeine consumption.
Drink 4 liters (or more) of bottled water (you should better drink in small portions, but regularly)
Once the symptoms of the high altitude sickness are found, the intake of Diamox is recommended.
Moreover, the pill can be taken as a preventive measure at the beginning of the trekking.
Please, consult your physician on the possible individual allergic reactions.
Acclimatization is more difficult at night, primarily because of respiratory activity decrease multiplied by high altitude.
Once the high altitude sickness symptoms are discovered, you are advised to approach the guide or to get in contact with our office staff via the satellite phone.

Day 2:
The group treks from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 (3850 m) and the entire day is dedicated to the Shira Plateau exploration. The trek is not physically challenging, giving the opportunity to enjoy the African landscapes, moorland meadows and unique flora of the Kilimanjaro.
The rest of the day the group spends resting. Indefatigable guests may roam through the nearby surroundings. Then the guides conduct the evening briefing and the cooks prepare warm, well-deserved supper.
The sunset is marked with the dazzling sceneries on the Meru Volcano.

Day 3:
Early wake-up that opens the wilderness, dense vegetation and full glory of the still unconquered Kilimanjaro. Breakfast and warm drinks refill your stamina and eagerness and the group departs.
The group hikes through the rocky landscapes from Shira Camp 2 to the Lava Tower (the remnant of Kili volcanic past) the crucial point of acclimatization. Natural resources of your body will be reinforced by the lunchboxes. Then the group descends through the pristine, wild Senecio forest (yes, however, paradoxical it may sound, we go down) to the Barranco Camp (3950 meters), cozily located on the ridge of the Barranco Wall. The wall astonishes the trekkers with its magnificence and escarpments. Do not let the Wall dominate over you - after 5 minutes hike you will understand that this task is daunting, but far from challenging. The most memorable sunset awaits you here, and abundant photography opportunities are available during the hike.
Warning:
If high altitude sickness or other health disorders appear, the Lava Tower route can be bypassed by the porters' route. Under this option, the group does not have to reach 4, 600 meters, the maximum altitude here is only 4400 meters.

Day 4:
Early wake up, breakfast and our adventurers start to conquer the Barranco Wall. We recommend starting as early as possible to outstrip other groups causing a 'jam'. Demanding ascend and spectacular views around await you!
The today's goal for the group is hiking to the Barafu Campsite. Our journey lies beneath the Heim Glacier through the lush Karanga valley (a short stop at Karanga campsite is made for resting and dining). Fantastic views on the jagged peaks of Mawenzi Mountain and the pristine African sky will enchant you.
Moreover, Karanga Valley is the last point where potable water is available. The crew spends the rest of the day making preparations and resting before the final climb. Barafu is a foothold for the looming Uhuru Peak.
Barafu stands on the rocky and icy slopes and its frosty and windy at this height, so do not forget to take warm clothing to your tents. The teammates will erect the camp and prepare the tents and warm sleeping bags for complete rest. The tents will be erected on a stony ground to guarantee your full familiarization with the terrain. The guide will instruct you to go sleeping as early as possible. In the event of necessity, the intake of Diamox will be advised. Try to drink and relax as much as possible. Solar batteries can be used to recharge the mobile devices.

Day 5:
At night, we leave the Barafu Camp and attempt to conquer the Uhuru Peak (5895 m). The group heads in a northwesterly direction, ascending towards Stella Point (5,685 m/18, 650 ft) on the crater rim. If the wake-up is early, then the most magnificent sunset awaits you.
Technically the final ascent is not difficult, challenging is the high altitude. For each couple of the climbers, a personal guide monitoring the mental and physical condition of the crew members will be assigned. After the Uhuru is successfully conquered, the group can descend to the glacier. Once our mission is complete, the group descends to the Mweka Camp (3068 m).
Warning:
Never forget that the 90% of all accidents happened while the happy climbers descend. All bones fractures, broken legs and hands are reported to occur at this stage. Legs and feet are the most vulnerable (especially the nails on the toes).

Day 6:
Mweka Camp is located amidst the tropical forest. After a wake-up, the group will enjoy full magnificence and freshness of the Tanzanian jungles.
After a warm breakfast the group rushes to the exit of the National Park - the Mweka Gate (1980 m),
transfer to the hotel and commemorative certificates awarding.